Alabama football offseason news: Tide analysts discuss staff changes, roster updates, recruitment, and the transfer portal

As the 2025 college football season draws closer, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program is undergoing significant changes and updates, all of which could have a major impact on the team’s success in the upcoming season. As is customary for Alabama, the offseason is a time for reflection, recruitment, and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. With head coach Nick Saban at the helm, the Tide have continued to be one of the premier programs in college football, but even a program of Alabama’s stature needs to adjust to the ever-evolving landscape of college football. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at key updates regarding Alabama football in the offseason, including staff changes, roster updates, recruitment, and the ongoing impact of the transfer portal.

Staff Changes: New Faces, Familiar Expectations

Alabama has long been known for its coaching stability, and even in the offseason, Saban’s staff is continually evolving. In 2025, the Tide made a few significant changes to their coaching staff, all aimed at maintaining their competitive edge and keeping up with the rapid developments in college football.

New Coaching Hires:

• Offensive Coordinator: After the departure of Bill O’Brien, who took a job in the NFL, Alabama moved quickly to bring in a new offensive coordinator. The Tide hired Dan Mullen, former head coach at Florida and a highly regarded offensive mind in college football. Mullen, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and his innovative offensive schemes, will be tasked with overseeing Alabama’s offense in 2025. His arrival is expected to bring a more dynamic and diversified approach to the Tide’s offensive playbook. Mullen has a reputation for adapting his schemes to fit his personnel, and this is important as Alabama looks to find the right quarterback to lead the offense in 2025.
• Defensive Line Coach: Alabama also made a change on the defensive side of the ball, hiring Tracy Rocker to coach the defensive line. Rocker, who has a wealth of experience coaching at the college and NFL levels, takes over a defensive line that has been a hallmark of Alabama’s defense for years. Rocker’s coaching history includes stints at Auburn, the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, and South Carolina, among others. His arrival is seen as an exciting move to bolster Alabama’s defensive front, which will be a critical part of the team’s success in 2025.

These coaching changes represent a commitment by Nick Saban to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the demands of modern college football. Alabama’s ability to retain its championship-level status will likely depend on how effectively Mullen and Rocker can implement their systems and make adjustments to the roster.

Roster Updates: Key Players Departing and Returning

The 2025 Alabama roster will feature a mix of key veterans and emerging talents. Some notable players have opted to enter the NFL draft, while others have made the decision to return for another season. Let’s take a look at some of the key roster updates.

Departures to the NFL:

• Bryce Young (QB): The most significant departure for Alabama heading into the 2025 season is undoubtedly quarterback Bryce Young. After leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship and winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, Young declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. His departure leaves a huge hole at the quarterback position, and Alabama will be looking for a new leader under center. Young’s legacy in Tuscaloosa is secure, but the Tide must now find a successor who can continue the program’s winning tradition.
• Will Anderson Jr. (OLB): Another major departure is linebacker Will Anderson Jr., widely regarded as one of the top pass-rushers in college football history. Anderson declared for the NFL Draft after a standout career at Alabama, and his loss leaves a significant void in the defense. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and provide pressure on the pass rush will be tough to replace, and Alabama will need other players to step up in his absence.
• Jahmyr Gibbs (RB): Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who enjoyed an excellent career at Alabama after transferring from Georgia Tech, also declared for the draft. Gibbs’ elusiveness and playmaking ability were key to Alabama’s offensive success, and his departure leaves the Tide looking for a new feature back. Alabama has talented running backs on the roster, but Gibbs’ presence in the backfield will be sorely missed.

Key Returners:

• Dallas Turner (OLB): With Anderson Jr. heading to the NFL, Alabama will look to Dallas Turner to become the next dominant pass rusher. Turner is already regarded as one of the top young linebackers in college football and has the potential to become a national star in 2025. His ability to rush the passer and play in coverage will be vital for Alabama’s defense.
• Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB): McKinstry has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in college football, and his return for 2025 is a huge boost for Alabama’s secondary. McKinstry’s shutdown ability will allow Alabama’s defense to take more risks and be more aggressive in coverage. His leadership in the secondary will be crucial, especially with some of the new faces that will join the defense in 2025.
• Tyler Booker (OL): As one of the key returning offensive linemen, Tyler Booker is expected to anchor Alabama’s offensive line in 2025. With an offense likely to be in transition following Bryce Young’s departure, Booker’s leadership and experience will be critical in protecting the new quarterback and creating holes for the running back.

The departures and returnees represent a combination of youth and experience that will help Alabama remain competitive in 2025. While the losses of Anderson, Gibbs, and Young are significant, the returning players have the talent and leadership to step up and maintain Alabama’s elite status.

Recruitment: Another Strong Class

As always, Alabama is one of the top recruiting programs in the country. The 2025 recruiting class is no different, with the Crimson Tide securing commitments from some of the top high school talent in the nation. While Alabama is known for its ability to develop talent, it’s also one of the top programs when it comes to identifying and signing future stars.

Key 2025 Commitments:

• Justice Haynes (RB): Alabama has secured a commitment from Justice Haynes, a 5-star running back out of Georgia, who will provide an immediate impact in the backfield. Haynes is known for his combination of vision, speed, and power, and he is expected to be the centerpiece of Alabama’s rushing attack in 2025. With the departure of Gibbs, Haynes is expected to step in and fill the role of feature back.
• Caden Story (DT): Another key recruit is defensive tackle Caden Story, who brings physicality and strength to Alabama’s defensive line. Story’s ability to disrupt the run and generate pressure on the quarterback will help fill the void left by the departure of key defensive linemen. Alabama’s recruiting efforts have positioned the team to remain one of the toughest defensive units in college football.
• Jalen Hale (WR): Alabama has also secured a commitment from wide receiver Jalen Hale, one of the top wideout prospects in the country. With Bryce Young no longer under center, Hale will be a vital part of Alabama’s passing attack moving forward. His size, speed, and playmaking ability make him a future star, and he will help maintain Alabama’s tradition of producing top-tier receivers.

These recruits, along with others in Alabama’s 2025 class, ensure that the Crimson Tide’s pipeline of talent remains strong and that the program will continue to compete at the highest levels in college football.

Transfer Portal: The Tide’s Latest Strategy

The transfer portal has become an integral part of modern college football, and Alabama has not been immune to its effects. The Crimson Tide has used the portal to add key players to their roster, particularly in areas where they may have lost significant depth or experience. In 2025, Alabama continues to make strategic moves in the portal to strengthen its roster for the upcoming season.

Notable Transfer Additions:

• Javion Cohen (OL): A key addition from the transfer portal, Cohen is a highly experienced offensive lineman who transferred from Miami. With Alabama losing a few key offensive linemen, Cohen will provide immediate depth and stability along the line. His experience in high-level competition will help Alabama maintain its strong offensive line play.
• Trey Sanders (RB): Trey Sanders, a former highly-touted recruit at Alabama, has returned to the program after a brief stint in the portal. Sanders provides valuable depth in the running back room and will compete for touches alongside Justice Haynes in 2025. His previous experience in Alabama’s system will give him an edge in the competition.

Impact on the Roster:

The use of the transfer portal by Alabama in 2025 further demonstrates the program’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football. With several key positions needing reinforcement, particularly along the offensive line and in the backfield, these portal additions could make a significant impact on Alabama’s ability to compete for championships.